The End of Insight Timer?
“It is an impossible situation. Either we comply with Apple’s demands or Insight Timer will die. These are our two choices.”
This is what Christopher Plowman (the CEO of Insight Timer) said, understanding the gravity of the situation.
A few weeks ago, Apple blocked Insight Timer from being able to update their app on the iPhone App Store. Apple recently updated their Terms of Use and claimed Insight Timer was not in compliance.
Apple’s new policy calls for 30% of all revenue from digital content through streaming.
At the heart of this battle is a difference of opinion on what “digital content” means.
On the one hand, I believe Apple sees the future of streaming and wants to be properly compensated from it’s app developers.
For example, on a video game platform like Fortnite, the term “digital content” could be an in-app purchase of a shield within the game. The game developers create a small digital product once, which is on sale forever. Apple would receive 30%.
But Insight Timer has something called Live Meditations, which are often 60-90 minute custom experiences. The community can donate to teachers during these live events.
I’ve hosted several of these events on Insight Timer and they are so wonderful. So full of love, kindness and depth. The donations allow teachers like me to spend more time making meditations and spiritual wellness content.
100% of these donations used to go to its teachers, but now Apple needs 30%.
It makes no sense that these events are in the same “digital content” bucket, because it’s a totally different thing. And Insight Timer has no choice but to comply.
Over the last few years, Insight Timer has shared over $20 million of their revenues with their teachers. They’re the most generous platform I have ever worked with BY FAR and are legitimately making the world a better place.
They’ve helped so many of us on our journeys of meditation, mindfulness and wellness.
Now, Insight Timer needs our help.
So reply, share, repost and add your views to this conversation. Be heard. Tell Apple your Insight Timer story. Explain what this community means to you.
Together we are infinite.
Big love,
D